Are you an engaging storyteller with a passion for history?

Do you have a flare for the theatrical?

Do you enjoy meeting and talking with people?

Are you open to learning new things and participating in a dynamic work environment?

If so, we want you to join our dedicated and lively team of cultural site interpreters! Our interpreters bring the stories of our special places to life for our visitors in meaningful, fun, and relevant ways. We believe that by engaging and exciting our visitors they will feel more connected to our cultural heritage and be inspired to help preserve and protect it for future generations. Currently we are looking for historic interpreters/actors for Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich.

The Trustees is an organization with a fascinating past and an exciting future. Our places are open to all and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in what we do. Founded in 1891, by a group of visionary volunteers, we preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts and work to protect special places across the state. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 25,000+ acres on more than 100 reservations that are all open to the public. We are a nonprofit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 40,000 members.

Our seasonal staff plays an integral role in ensuring that our visitors enjoy our extraordinary places. With the change to warmer temperatures, we experience an influx of visitors of all ages and backgrounds who want to explore and be inspired by our properties. Sandy beaches, wooded trails, cultural gardens, historic homes, community supported agriculture—there are many ways for visitors to discover and explore The Trustees, and just as many opportunities for seasonal employees to make each visitor’s experience special.

Responsibilities:

Specific responsibilities include:

  • Leading and facilitating five interactive tour experiences and participatory activities on site for visitors of all ages, sometimes as costumed characters associated with Castle Hill
  • Welcoming and orienting visitors, acting as an ambassador for the site and The Trustees of Reservations
  • Encouraging membership sales by being well-versed in the various levels and benefits
  • Managing costumes and props used in experiences
  • Willingness to drive a 7 passenger golf cart around the estate grounds
  • Opening and closing the Great House and any additional out buildings for daily tours
  • Attending at a series of trainings and regular team meetings to learn about the interpretive philosophy and techniques used at the site
  • Participating in training, guided research and ongoing study about the history and cultural context of the site as well as the Trustees of Reservations
  • Participating in ongoing peer and supervisor evaluations
  • Following best practices in collections management, security, and care
Qualifications:
We are looking for candidates who:

  • are friendly, active listeners with excellent conversational and public speaking skills
  • enjoy engaging visitors through multi-sensory interpretive techniques including storytelling, hands-on activities, and interactive discussion
  • are willing to take on costumed, first person characters for some visitor experiences
  • are intellectually curious and open to learning and sharing new things
  • are professional and team-oriented
  • are respectful of all visitors and able to provide exceptional customer service
  • are flexible and willing to meet the needs and interests of visitors
  • are self-reflective and eager to continuously improve their skills
  • are able to climb stairs and stand for periods of 2 hours or more at a time
  • are reliable and committed to their position, their site team, and the mission of the Trustees of Reservations
  • are available 3-4 days a week, Tuesday – Sunday
  • are able to traverse the landscape with groups
  • have a teaching, museum, customer service, and/or theater background
  • possess a degree in history, theatre arts, education, or a related field (not required)

This is a part-time, seasonal position expected to begin in May and end in October. Interpreters should expect to work 3-4 days a week including some weekend days. The Trustees of Reservations offers competitive compensation and the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across the Commonwealth who love the outdoors, who love the distinctive charms of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever.

How To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to:

Paula Phipps, pphipps@ttor.org

-OR-

By mail to:

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate
Attn: Paula Phipps
290 Argilla Road
Ipswich, MA 01938.

No phone calls please.

In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trustees of Reservations aim to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of our team. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts who are at the core of our mission.

Apply by:
May 11, 2015